JA-Department of Community Development

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Open Access
Molecular Diversity among Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Landraces in Uganda
(International Journal of Botany, 2012) Mbeyagala, Emmanuel K; Kiambi, Dan D; Okori, Patrick; Edema, Richard
The variability in sorghum germplasm is an invaluable input for sustaining and improving sorghum productivity. A wide range of variability in phenotypic traits exists among landraces in Uganda. However, the diversity of the germplasm at the molecular level is not described and therefore not known which hinders its use in modern plant improvement programs. This study was therefore undertaken to classify 241 sorghum accessions collected from different agro-ecological regions based on genetic distances estimated using 21 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR primers were highly polymorphic with average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of 0.65 ranging from 0.09-0.89. A total of 205 alleles (9.8 alleles per locus) as well as a number of rare alleles were observed across all the accessions and this provides an opportunity for generation of a comprehensive fin' gerprint database. Gene diversity ranged from 0.09-0.90 with an average of 0.68. The average heterozygosity detected was 0.18 ranging from 0.00-92%. Analysis of molecular variation showed that variation was higher within races and agro-ecologies than among races and agro-ecological zones, respectively and this indicated the significance of gene flow. Cluster analysis delineated the accessions into to two distinct clusters each with seven sub-clusters main' ly according to agro-ecological zone. Clusters IA and IB had the most distill' ct accessions and these could be utilized in. pre-breeding programmes aimed at overcoming yield barriers. The results confirm the ability of SSR markers to discern variability and also serve as guide for germplasm collection and conservation strategies.
Open Access
Political Communication for Sustainable Development in Kenya
(Developing Country Studies, 2015-06-01) Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Agonga, Aquinata; Mainye, Marcella Moraa; Mong’are, Alice Bitutu; Maranga, Florence Kemuma
In Africa, most events are crowned by political overtones. If these forums can be used to communicate information for development purposes, the continent could be far in terms of development. A number of mass media scholars (Bennett, 2003; Diamond, 2004; Graber, 2010) have noted that democratization and the processes of achieving it must be tailored toward increasing domestic and global awareness and developing sophisticated citizenry. More than ever before, African governments have consistently indicated their commitment to political and economic development, but this laudable objective seems far-fetched as a result of the minimal role of the media in educating the public and encouraging effective participation and responsiveness.This paper is geared towards investigating how political communication and messages can be utilized for development purposes. With the globalization of economies over the past two decades, there has been an increasing surge in Africa for strategic political and economic relationships. Unfortunately, the political systems in the continent present serious challenges to the rest of the world which views African countries as politically and economically unsustainable
Open Access
Social Networks and Students’ Performance in Secondary Schools: Lessons from an Open Learning Centre, Kenya
(Journal of Education and Practice, 2015-08-01) Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Mutavi, Teresia Ndilu; Kokonya, Donald; Simiyu, Violet Nekesa; Musungu, Ben; Obondo, Anne; Kuria, Mary Wangari
Given the known positive and negative effects of uncontrolled social networking among secondary school students worldwide, it is necessary to establish the relationship between social network sites and academic performances among secondary school students. This study, therefore, aimed at establishing the relationship between secondary school students’ access to and use of social network sites at an Open Learning Centre in Kenya. The centre was located about 30km South West of Nairobi, the capital city. This site was selected because information technology was the designed mode of delivery of the courses at the school, hence, high exposure of the students to quantitative social networking among the young, knowledge and information-thirsty population. The study sought opinions of key informants, parents, teachers and policy-makers in Kenya at the school compound. In addition, it investigated the behaviour of the students to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings in this study showed that secondary school students in Kenya were much more vulnerable to the adverse effects of social networks in a manner consistently and concurrently similar to that found elsewhere in the worldwide. This included conversion of academic into recreational sessions and subsequent poor academic performances among the majority of the secondary school students in Kenya. It is, therefore, necessary for the schools to vet, supervise, monitor, control, censor and restrict secondary school students’ access to available information on the SNS in Kenya to enable the students to concentrate on academic excellence. The government, on the other hand, should develop a learner-friendly policy to curb the downward spiraling of academic performances in secondary schools in Kenya attributable to uncensored access to social network sites.
Open Access
An Examination of Factors Determining Access to Free Primary Education in Mitaboni Zone Kathiani Division, Machakos District, Kenya
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2016-01-01) Nzinga, Edward K.
With the re-introduction of the Free Primary Education (FPE) by the Kenyan Government in January 2003, it was expected that all children of Primary school going age would be enrolled in school. But, after the re-introduction of FPE there are still an estimated 2 million children and youth who remain out of school. This raises concern. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors determining access to FPE in Mitaboni zone, Kathiani division, Machakos district, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: find out the factors determining access to FPE; investigate on the effect of factors on FPE and to establish the cause of action to be taken. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The Production Function Theory was used in the study. The units of analysis were the Primary schools. Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques and zero order correlation analysis. The findings of the study showed that the factors determining access in FPE in Mitaboni zone were: school financial obligations, poverty and malnutrition, cultural factors overcrowded classes, pregnancies, early marriages and child labour demands. It was discovered that the multiple correlation, between the independent variables and the FPE was 0.999 and the coefficient of multiple determination, R2, was 0.997.Conclusions drawn from the study showed that FPE in Mitaboni zone is yet to be realized. It was recommended that the Government should provide relevant curriculum, physical facilities and bear all the costs of Primary education, double streaming of schools and punishing of Parents who do not take their children to school. There is a corresponding need for more research in this area in other zones and similar comparative study between urban and rural zones.
Open Access
Mainstreaming corporate social responsibility for environmental and social development in Kenya
(PAC University journal of arts and social sciences, 2016-01-01) Nyaga, Rahab N.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been viewed as businesses giving back to society and companies managing their processes and conducting business in a way that will not harm society or the environment. Mainstreaming CSR for environmental and social development means that companies integrate environmental and social concerns in their business operations and in their interactions with stakeholders on a voluntary basis. In Kenya, CSR is a relatively recent phenomenon and many organisations are yet to figure out how to incorporate it in business. The literature reviewed in this paper is on CSR and how it can be mainstreamed for both environmental and social development. The theory that informs this study is the systems theory, which brings out interdependence and interconnectedness, both of which indicate that taking care of environmental and social development is vital for business success. This was a descriptive study that utilised questionnaires and in-depth interviews to collect data. The findings established that CSR is the key vehicle that organisations use to address social and environmental concerns. There is however need for awareness and training to ensure that CSR is mainstreamed and that funds address key concerns in society.
Open Access
Resource allocation, evaluational capacity building M&E results utilization among community based organizations in Meru region in Kenya
(2016-01-01) Cavens, K.; Gakuu, C; Kidombo, H;
Building capacity for evaluation has become a big concern in the effort of ensuring that evaluations are meaningful. Part of this capacity includes making sure that M&E activities have resources needed to carry them out. This study sought to establish the influence of allocating resources for M&E activities on the utilization of M&E result at the project level in Kenya’s Meru Region. The study used a mixed mode approach in methodology and it was both a descriptive survey and a cross-sectional survey and used both descriptive and inferential analysis of the data collected.. The study sampled 186 respondents from a targeted population of 430 employees working in community based organizations in the region. The study showed that resources were allocated for various M&E activities to a great extent. The study also noted high level of M&E results utilization at project level by project employees and all the indicators of resources allocation had positive correlation with M&E result utilization. It was noted that for every unit increase in resource allocation, there was an increase of 26.1% in M&E result utilization score which is a percentage that would justify allocating resources for M&E activities by project organizations.
Open Access
Problems Facing Adult Education Center Managers and District Adult and Continuing Education Officers n the Implementation of Adult Basic Education and Training Curriculum in Machakos County
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2016-01-01) Nzinga, Edward K.
A review of all of the available evaluation studies of adult literacy programs in Third World settings revealed that poor program design and implementation are the causes of inefficiency. Adult education in Machakos County is bedevilled by inadequate teaching staff, funds and facilities; unskilled part-time teachers among others. This raises a lot of concern and challenge especially to Adult Centre managers and District Adult Education and Continuing Education Officers who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring the success of the Adult education programs. The purpose of the study was to explore problems facing adult education centre managers and district adult and continuing education officers in the implementation of adult basic education and training curriculum in Machakos County. Objectives were to: establish constraints of Adult Education Centre Managers on their understanding of their role in adult education; and identify problems facing District Adult and Continuing education officers in the monitoring and supervision of adult education programmes. The study used descriptive survey research design and was based on the conceptual framework embracing four main theories namely:- Adult learning theory, Mezirow’s Theory of Perspective Transformation, Systems Theory and Reference Group Theory. The units of analysis were 424 Adult Education Learning Centers. The study population was 424 Managers of Adult Education Centers, and 8 District Adult and Continuing Education (DACEO’s). The targeted populations were 128 Managers and 8 Adult Education Officers. The researcher used both Stratified and saturated random sampling to pick out a corresponding sample. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Reliability of the instruments was addressed through piloting in one adult education Centre and reliability co-efficient of 0 .745 which indicated that the instruments were reliable were obtained by subjecting the instruments to a Split-half Technique and Spearman “Brown Prophesy Formula”. Two experts were used to validate the instruments. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings of the study were: the perceptual constraints of adult education learners on implementation of adult education in were:-unwillingness of the learners to pay for the program, a negative perception of the program, a marked sense of skepticism about adult education, and lack of conviction about the benefits of the program. It was concluded that there indeed existed perceptual, managerial, methodological and monitoring and supervisory constraints facing curriculum implementation of adult education programs in Machakos County. It was recommended that efforts be made to destigmatize the program and funds be availed. It was suggested that further research be conducted on stigma, low men enrolment and policy framework.
Open Access
Smallholder Rural Youth Farming in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 2016-05-01) Kutwa, Abigael Asiko; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Kokonya, Donald
Investment on agriculture by countries is essential because it is core to every nation’s development. In Kenya, people particularly youth are involved in agriculture yet it attracts limited investment. This study which was aimed at highlighting age, gender participation and the role of literacy in small scale farming among the trained youth in Kiambu County, Kenya. This was mixed methods descriptive and cross sectional study that also employed triangulation to enhance confidence in the findings. This design underscored the current sociodemographic benefits to rural youth small scale farmers in Kabete constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. Kabete Constituency, was non-probabilistic and purposively selected due to limited time and resources, its cosmopolitan, high agricultural potential comprising both subsistence and commercial farmers and easily accessible to the Nairobi city which is a high potential market for agricultural produce. The study was conducted over a five-month period from September 2015 to January 2016. The study population comprised trained agri-business young rural farmers aged 21 to 35 years who farmed on no more than 0.75 acres of land resident in Kabete Constituency. The key informants who were old farmers and a sample of 111 youths who had practiced farming for more than five years were sampled purposively and using simple random design, respectively. Parents were conveniently sampled for the interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in two selected locations. The relevant data was solicited through the use of questionnaire, focus group discussions and observation on youth smallholder trends and farm management practices especially during the data collection period. The instruments were pretested and scrutinized for validity and reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed on descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically using content analysis. This study showed that a large majority (53%) of the trained youthful rural farmers had attained at least form four level of education compared to 40% of them who had college or University levels of education. Only (15%) had primary school level of education and only 4% of the youthful farmers had no formal education. These findings confirmed that guaranteed literacy among trained rural youthful famers in Kiambu County, Kenya was high (93%), an indicator for the likelihood of effective and successful farming. Over two-thirds (67.4%) of the rural youthful small-scale farmers in Kabete Constituency in Kiambu County, Kenya, has access to financial credit services compared 26.7% who did not have access and 5.9% who had not made up their mind about access to credit services. The rural youthful farmers had above average access to credit services in the study area, further the study established that slightly less than half (46.5%) of the farmers accessed their capital from their families through inheritance, 36% made savings and 17.5% accessed loans. Post-harvest challenge was the most prone challenge among youth framers and smallholder farming in Kabete constituency had improved lives of youths. To concluded, smallholder farming was offering a wide potential for rural youths by creating employment, encouraging savings, reducing food expenses and encouraged self-reliance among the youth. The study recommended review of agricultural policies that will accommodate the youth’s representation and protection of environment that supports farm. Also recommended is adoption of ICT in agricultural practice in Kenya.
Open Access
Professional Development in Monitoring and Evaluation and Result Utilization in Meru Region in Kenya
(2016-09-01) Kithinji, Cavens; Kidombo, Harriet; Gakuu, Christopher
This study was carried out to determine the influence of professional development in Monitoring and result utilization in Meru Region; Kenya. Pragmatic approach was used to lay foundation for a mixed mode approach in methodology thus allowing for both descriptive and inferential analysis of data. The study targeted employees working in project organizations in the region and had an experience of over two years. The sample size was 218. In general, the study noted high level of M&E results utilization at project level by project employees and that Professional development activities were being carried in the region at moderate extent. Together, all activities carried out to develop professionalism in M&E had a positive high correlation thus concluding that they have influence on the actual utilization of M&E result. The study established that a unit increase in professional development in the region result to 43.6% increase in M&E result utilization. It was recommended that more of professional development activities in M&E be undertaken to include even other users of M&E result outside the Project organization to maximize on the evaluation results in order to justify the resources used in carrying M&E in organizations
Open Access
Civil Society and Development: Involving Stakeholders to Enhance Financial Sustainability of Public Benefit Organisations in Informal Settlement in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research, 2017-06-01) Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Odero, Vitalis Okoth; Mutavi, Teresia Ndilu; Obondo, Anne; Namulanda, Victor; Ondiek, Dennis
This explored the influence of stakeholder involvement in achieving financial sustainability of PBOs in Nairobi informal settlement in Kenya. It was concurrent mixed methods approach study that employed a descriptive design and was carried out between January and August 2015. The study targeted various stakeholders who were randomly and purposively sampled constituting a sample size of 304. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis in themes. The findings showed that 56.1% of the beneficiaries were not involved while 43.9% were involved. In addition 70.1% of the beneficiaries were involved in resource mobilization while 29.9% were not involved, 55.7% of staff were not involved in resource mobilization while 44.3% were involved. There was no statistically significant association between involvement of stakeholders in program and ways of involvement in resource mobilization (χ (4) = 4.186, p = .381). It was concluded that PBOs were not adequately engaging stakeholders in program adequately. The study recommended that PBOs should ensure they involve stakeholders to enhance commitment and ownership of the PBO programs and financial sustainability.
Open Access
The Perceptual Constraints of Adult Learners on the Implementation of Adult Basic Education Programs in Kenya
(Scholars Bulletin, 2017-07-01) Nzinga, Edward K.
The objective establishes the perceptual constraints of adult learners on the implementation of adult basic education programs. The study used descriptive survey research design and was based on the conceptual framework embracing four main theories namely: - Adult learning theory, Mezirow‟s Theory of Perspective Transformation, Systems Theory and Reference Group Theory. The units of analysis were 424 Adult Education Learning Centres. The study population was 7104 adult education Learners. The targeted populations were 2304 Learners. The researcher used both Stratified and saturated random sampling to pick out a corresponding sample. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Reliability of the instruments was addressed through piloting in one adult education centre and reliability co efficient of 0 .745 which indicated that the instruments were reliable were obtained by subjecting the instruments to a Split-half Technique and Spearman “Brown Prophesy Formula”. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings show that if 2.92 (58.40%) of learners were asked to pay for adult education studies, he/she would gladly do so. Adult education programs suffer from stigmatization and hence potential learners find it almost an embarrassment to be involved in the program as attested by the score of 3.35 (67.04%). When an adult learner listens to what others say about adult education the adult learner felt encouraged to continue with the program. Every effort should be done by all the stakeholders in adult and continuing basic education to either reduce or get rid of the stigma associated with adult education since this affects both the learners and those that are charged with its supervision and monitoring.
Open Access
Unhooking tentacles of financial dependency: Challenges and opportunities of public benefit organizations in Nairobi County’s informal settlements, Kenya
(International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2017-09-01) Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Muthomi, Simon; Ochieng, Dancun Onyango; Mutavi, Teresia Ndilu; Simiyu, Violet Nekesa
This study explored the opportunities and challenges faced by PBOs in implementing financial sustainability strategies in Nairobi informal settlements in Kenya. A concurrent mixed methods approach particularly descriptive in design was adopted on a sample of 304 respondents sampled randomly and purposively. Drawing from Focused Group Discussion Schedules and interview guides that were used to collect data that was subsequently analysed quantitatively and qualitatively using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and content analysis as per themes respectively, the study demonstrates that a high majority of 90.5 % of PBOs faced challenges in implementing their financial sustainability strategies while 9.5% were not facing challenges in implementing their financial sustainability strategies. Most of the PBOs financial sustainability strategies faced a challenge of lack of commitment, represented by 47.6%, while 38.1% faced lack of capital to establish the financial sustainability strategies. Very few 9.5% revealed slow growth of the financial suitability initiatives while 4.8% attributed to government laws and policies. The obtained p-value = 0.858 was more than alpha (0.05) implying that there was evidence to accept the null hypothesis hence there is no significant difference in the challenges faced by PBO within length of time in implementing financial sustainability strategies. The study concluded that PBOs were not adequately engaging stakeholders in program design, implementation and resource mobilization thus were facing various challenges in implementing financial sustainability initiative.
Open Access
Methodological Limitations on the Implementation of Adult Basic Education Curriculum in Kenya
(Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 2017-10-01) Nzinga, Edward
The objective of this paper is to explore methodological constraints affecting curriculum implementation of adult basic and literacy education in Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design and was based on the conceptual framework embracing four main theories namely: - Adult learning theory, Mezirow‘s Theory of Perspective Transformation, Systems Theory and Reference Group Theory. The units of analysis were 424 Adult Education Learning Centres. The study population was 181 Adult Literacy teachers. The targeted populations were 54 teachers.. The researcher used both Stratified and saturated random sampling to pick out a corresponding sample. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Reliability of the instruments was addressed through piloting in one adult education centre and reliability co-efficient of 0 .745 which indicated that the instruments were reliable were obtained by subjecting the instruments to a Split-half Technique and Spearman ―Brown Prophesy Formula‖. Two experts were used to validate the instruments. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings of the study were: almost all of the adult education teachers had no understanding of the specific adult education teaching methods of Andragogy, Geragogy/Eldergogy and Metagogy. They therefore majored on the use of pedagogy similar to that used in primary and secondary school and this definitely had adverse effects on the overall and implementation of the Curriculum.
Open Access
Socio-Economic Effects of Cattle-Rustling in Borabu Sub-County, Nyamira County, Kenya
(IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 2017-10-01) Anyango, Daisy Yvonne; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Okuku, Michael Tedd; Mutavi, Teresia; Mwalw‘a, Shem
The main aim of this study was to determine the socio-economic effects of cattle rustling in Borabu Sub-County. The study sought to answer the following research questions: What are the social effects of cattle rustling in Borabu? What are the economic effects of cattle rustling in Borabu Sub-County? What are the socioeconomic challenges observed in trying to curb cattle rustling in Borabu? The theoretical framework for this study was the social cubism theory, Queer Ladder Theory of Mobility, supplemented by one of its components - the Alien Conspiracy Theory. A parallel convergent mixed method was adopted whereby the researcher. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected the data concurrently, analyzed interpreted and the findings were in tandem with the study‘s objectives. The study targeted 90 youths, 97 cattle herders, 13 county education directors and school heads and 50 community members including elders and religious leaders of Borabu SubCounty. By using Fishers formula the researcher arrived at a sample size of 258 respondents. Simple random sampling procedure was used to arrive at 30 percent of the total population. Proportionate Stratified Sampling was used to select respondents from each ward. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in pie charts as well as frequency tables while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis also involving thematic organization and transforming data for analysis. The study revealed that cattle rustling in Borabu Sub-County was propagated by traditional practices, economic gains, illiteracy, marginalization and poor governance tendencies. The study concluded that cattle rustling had crippled various forms of development. For instance the right to life was being violated by the raiders who stole, killed and destroyed people and property. The right to food and property was also violated in the process of raiding which rendered the community to rely on relief food. The development of social and physical infrastructure was greatly stagnated. All these calamities had been linked to the causative factor- cattle rustling which called for the need to address the problem so as to pave way for effective development incentives. Thus the study recommended that the community should be enlightened on contemporary ways of life involving ways of adapting to the current times. In order to improve the situation on the area the government in partnership with nongovernmental organizations should engage in infrastructural development geared towards adopting development initiatives
Open Access
Youth: The Under-utilized Resource in Ministry
(The International Journal Of Humanities & Social Studies, 2017-11-01) Bariu, Richard Mutura
The contribution and abilities of young people herein referred to as the youth is under-researched especially as regards their contribution in ministry. They are only appendages to adult ministry. This paper is in two parts. The first part of the paper proposes a review of the youth as emerging adults with immense energy, creativity, capability, knowledge, talent and gifting that can be utilized to serve ministry needs as productive members of society. In this part we look at the African conception of youth spirituality, the youth as mobilized resource that can push ministries to new heights, and how youth who are technologically savvy can increase visibility of churches and participate in the great commission. In the second part of this paper we propose a way forward that can help mainstream the youth resource in the mission of the church. We propose the following strategic engagements for optimal utilization and involvement of youth in ministry: a) Strengthen youth public policy making skills, b) Research-based youth ministry, c) youth as a key stakeholder in ministry, d) Broad-based youth ministry curricula and programs and e) youth volunteerism.
Open Access
Promoting a Bi-partisan Approach in Responding to the Contemporary Socio-economic Challenges in Kenya.
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 2017-12-01) Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Otieno, Edwine Jeremiah; Ndege, Wilkins Muhingi; Mutavi, Teresia; Okuku, Michael Tedd; Odero, Vitalis Okoth; Mwendwa, David Kimaili
The contemporary political landscape in Kenya has been marred by political antagonism and unhealth competition among the political actors. The Kenyan citizens have bore the brunt of the negative outcomes of this approach to political engagement in seeking solutions to their socioeconomic challenges like poor roads, lack of access to health and educational facilities especially in marginalized areas, high crime rate, inflation, unemployment among others. There is need for a paradigm shift to ensure positive socioeconomic outcomes are achieved. This paper therefore seeks to demonstrate how a bi-partisan approach in responding to the contemporary socio-economic challenges can help achieve socioeconomic development and milestones in Kenya. This study is grounded on political theory while the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA) framework was used to review different articles from revered journals related to bipartisan policy, non-confrontational political approaches and pragmatic political ideals. The reviewed literatures revealed that achieving bipartisanship in a competitive political environment is a tedious process but ultimately if achieved produces positive socio-economic outcomes like fast tracking of bills and policies in parliament meant to ensure provision of services to the people, value addition to suggested ideas and minimal obstruction in the implementation of projects and services to the people. The study recommends a wide stakeholder engagement and intensive training of Non state actors like the Civil Society groups, State actors like elected representatives at the, Constituency, County and National assembly on the value of bipartisanship and how to engage positively on issues of common good. These bipartisan ideals that will enhance their service delivery and ensure socio-economic development at the constituency. County and National levels.
Open Access
African Democratic Education Revisited
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2018) Chiroma, Jane Adhiambo
Open Access
The Emerging Social Work techniques in Youth Empowerment programs: A case Study of Youth Empowerment Organizations in Nairobi County.
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 2018-02-02) Otieno, Edwine Jeremiah; Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Ndege, Wilkins Muhingi; Mutavi, Teresia; Okuku, Michael Tedd; Odero, Vitalis Okoth; Mwendwa, David Kimaili
Traditional techniques used in social work have become obsolete and ineffective in meeting the contemporary needs of the dynamic population. This has led to the development of new social work techniques that seek to achieve social transformation among the youth. These innovations which are being implemented by youth empowerment organizations are important not only to the social workers that utilize them and their clients but also for the upcoming professionals and institutions that provide services to the youth. The overall objective of this paper is to unravel the emerging innovative social work techniques applied by youth empowerment organizations that seek to achieve social transformation among the youth. This study is grounded on diffusion of innovation model and linear models of innovation. This study reviewed different articles related to social work techniques, social work methods, social work intervention books, youth empowerment programs, social innovations, and existing local and international literature using different material from related fields to get rich information. The reviewed literature revealed that there were new social work techniques that have emerged to address the needs of the contemporary and dynamic urban youth population. These innovations have neither been documented nor shared with other organizations and social work practitioners. Social workers also face challenges in developing new techniques and these contributes to poor outcomes with the concurrent diversity of the social problems. This study recommends documentation of emerging social work interventions in youth empowerment and development programs, sharing of information and utilization on the new techniques and methodologies among social workers working with the youth. Social workers need to be trained on how to utilize social research to enhance their capacity in technique development, and organizing regular seminars and workshops where social workers can share and learn more about the new and emerging social work interventions.
Open Access
Social Constraints facing Table Banking among Rural Women in Emurua Dikirr Sub-County, Narok County, in Kenya.
(International Journal of Social and Development Concerns, 2018-03-01) Seurei, Joan Jelimo; Mavole, Johnson Nzau; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege
One of the greatest challenges that women face in developing countries is financial inclusion. Access to capital for startup businesses is usually difficult, more so, for women in rural areas. As such, a group-based funding strategy is one of the solutions that was implemented to afford women opportunities to overcome financial challenges affecting their lives. Not all women have the opportunity to gain formal employment. In fact, majority of women in developing nations are in rural areas. As such, group-based funding strategies thrive in these areas. Women are able to pool resources and save and borrow as individuals. Social networks, organisational structures and knowledge levels of the members of these groups and the larger organisations is a great determinant for success. The purpose of this study was to examine the social constraints that women practicing table banking face in Emurua Dikirr sub-County, Narok County. The study adopted phenomenology and survey research designs that employed qualitative and quantitative paradigms to collect data. Staff from the Social Services Department of Narok County, women doing table banking, and field officers working for the County Government of Narok, were targeted for this study using purposive, snowball, and cluster sampling techniques. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques like inferential statistics frequencies and ratios. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis, and presented using in-depth narratives. The study found that women in table banking face a lot of constraints in their informal groups. Majority of the women can only network with neighbours in close proximity while others do so with family members only. These limited networks inhibit their growth and lead to poor performance of their groups and small businesses. Additionally, the study found that most women in the area of study were illiterate or semi-illiterate. It was recommended that, Joyful Women Organisation ( JOYWO) should train women to understand and implement the fundamental principle of group-based funding strategies, which in this case is social networking. Networks build social trust and cohesion among the group members. It was also recommended that education should be made accessible to both young as well as adult members of society. It was lastly recommended that JOYWO needs to adopt policies and regulations that were flexible for groups to thrive especially in hardship rural areas such as Emurua Dikirr sub-County.
Open Access
Social Determinants of Vulnerability of Missing Children: The case of Nairobi Children’s Remand Home, Nairobi County, Kenya
(International Journal of Social and Development Concerns, 2018-03-31) Ndung’u, Esther Mugure; Mavole, Johnson Nzau; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Sanganya, Noah
The situation of missing children is one of the most emotional social issues worldwide. Children go missing throughout the world as a result of human trafficking, organised crime, labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, illicit adoption among other reasons. The main objective of this study was to establish the social determinants that influence vulnerability of missing children in Nairobi Children’s Remand Home, Kenya. The study was anchored on the ecological systems theory by Bronfenbrenuer. This study used the concurrent mixed methods approach where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected, specifically adopting descriptive designs. The target populations were children officers, parents of missing children, missing children, and police officers. The sample size was 61 children sampled using the census sampling technique. Purposive sampling was also used to select respondents from the other categories. Data was collected using questionnaires, FDGs and interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS Version 22, while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Quantitative data results were presented using charts, tables, and graphs, while qualitative data results were presented in narratives. From the study, majority of the missing children (52.4%) were of the age of 7-12 years and majority were boys (68.7%). However, between the ages of 13-18 majority were girls with 62.1%. The parents of the respondents were mainly single (61.1%), most lived in informal settlements (80.4%) and were casual labourers (60.7%) with low incomes. The main reasons why the respondents left home included child abuse (23.3%) and running away (40 %). Income generated by the missing children’s parents or guardians was not significantly different across the different marital statuses since a p value of 0.443 was obtained, which was more than the study p value, which was 0.05. Government protection systems for missing children were seen to be inadequate as there were no laws, policies, and guidelines that deal with missing children. The study recommended that the Government come up with guidelines/policies and laws for missing children, a national database for all missing children, enhanced reporting systems for abused children, as well as economic empowerment for parents with low incomes.

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